I start my class with music and end with trivia. It gets more student to show up. I also use current world events in my discussions.
Bryant Neal
life experience is key to connecting the learning experience to content material.
Hi Frederick,
Interaction with your students is important, this in itself keeps students alert.
Patricia
Relating discussions to real life situations is key. Many students work better discussing reality rather than theory and far out ideas.
I also like to use humor, as long as it isn't too off base or over the top. It is important not only to show that you have a sense of humor to your students while still doing your best to teach the subject matter, but also a good idea to remember for yourself that teaching (and life) need a sense of humor.
I like that you mentioned calling them by name- it is very important to learn your students' names and use them in order to make them feel like a part of the class.
This is an effective way to involve students. It is twofold. They must first actually read the textbook; then they present their findings to a group. It will quickly become apparent that this is not always an easy task. Perhaps they will give credit to the instructor who takes great steps to prepare engaging presentations.
Absolutely. If you can refer to an online video, a TV program, a news story, a sports figure/team, you will identify with some students who may be unaffected by textbook examples only.
I like to have a lot of interaction between my students and I: they never know when they might be called upon and I also walk around to class room.
I ask questions about topic we are discussing with real life situations, this normally grabs their attention and bring them back into the topic
I have assigned individual students a small part like discuss the value of being immunized for pertussis, how do you keep the supplies for an immunization clinic, what temp should the vaccines be kept at. Sometimes I have used small groups for the same types of preassigned questions.
I will call on them when I am discussing the lecture material and ask them to extrapolate on the topic.
I have also given quizzes to see who was attentive during the lecture.
Another method that I will use is to assign everyone chapters from which they must lecture according to a schedule of class periods. This is a group project, and everyone in the group is responsible for a portion of the lecture.
Being clear with the content of the class and expectation and ask them questions randomly to capture their attention.
I make sure I move around the classroom. This makes inattentive students stop whatever else has their attention.
I agree. It is good to add to the mix by including guest speakers who will bring a different approach to an area that you have discussed. It add credibility to your teachings and variety for the students.
To capture student attention, ensure that each student participates at least once each class meeting. For example, start a routine where at the end of the class meeting, ask this question of each student before moving on to the next until the entire class has spoken, "Describe something new that you learned today?"
Hi Gregory,
I use this tactic as well! It is very effective.
Patricia
Hi Joel,
There is nothing like practicality. Students love it, need it, want it, and understand it. It generates great excitement.
Patricia
Hi Sarah,
How has this worked for you. I like the idea!
Patricia
I use humor in lectures and get the students to contribute to the concept(s).
